Why do Americans and foreigners alike describe the USA as prudish? Why do I see nothing prudish about the USA society? USA feels like one of the loosest countries although Americans claim to be very reserved.
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 11:58
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
Sunt accusamus voluptates dolorem porro excepturi quis officiis facere.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
New features added to Nintendo Today! - News - Nintendo Official Site - Nintendo
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Remember the Hays Code?
toilets being shown
NASA sets new potential launch date for Ax-4 mission to ISS - SpaceNews
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
the display of bellybuttons
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
Gov. Abbott activates state emergency resources ahead of anticipated severe weather - Click2Houston
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged: